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Rubio cleared to start practicing with Wolves

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Ricky Rubio has been cleared to begin practicing with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time since tearing ligaments in his left knee last March.

Rubio met with the doctor who performed his surgery in Vail, Colo., this week to get the final clearance, and the team announced that he was given the green light Wednesday.

Rubio tore the ACL in his left knee in a game against the Lakers on March 9. The Wolves have sorely missed their dynamic point guard. They are 6-7 this season without him heading into a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

The Timberwolves likely will be off on Thursday before playing again Friday night. That means Rubio likely will practice for the first time this weekend.

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